the longdendale trail and valley

​Above photo: Longdendale Valley near Woodhead (David James)

Background information

The Longdendale Trail is a 6.5 mile (10.4km) long-distance walking/cycling trail on the former Woodhead Railway Line, a section of railway once connecting Manchester and Sheffield. The Woodhead Railway Line, between Hadfield (North Derbyshire) and Penistone (South Yorkshire), includes the Woodhead Tunnel and passes underneath the northern moorland of the Peak District. It was closed in 1981. Almost every trace of the railway line was removed and over the years wildlife and nature has found a natural habitat.

The disused line remained closed until it was opened as The Longdendale Trail in 1992, the land owned and managed by United Utilities. Since then it has become a popular site for locals and visitors alike set against the backdrop of the Longdendale Valley and the six reservoir Longdendale Chain on the River Etherow: Woodhead, Torside, Rhodeswood, Valehouse, Bottoms and Arnfield Reservoirs. At the time of completion it was the largest artificial expanse of water in the world!

Originally there was a seventh reservoir at Hollingworth, constructed in 1854, but this was abandoned in 1987 and now forms part of a 60-acre nature reserve at Swallows Wood. The main chain of reservoirs were constructed between 1848 and 1884 to supply fresh water to the growing populations of both Manchester and Salford.

The Longdendale Valley provides various other recreational outdoor activities including: camping and caravanning, horse riding, water skiing, windsurfing, fishing, clay pigeon shooting and climbing, with an information point and picnic area located at Torside. It is also forms part of the 2920 mile-long E8 European long distance path, the UK section running from Liverpool to Hull.

The Longdendale Trail today

Today, the Longdendale Trail blends comfortably into the valley and the natural surroundings of the Peak District National Park where walkers, joggers, cyclists and horse riders take to the trail in all seasons throughout the year. It forms part of the long-distance, coast to coast Trans Pennine Trail and Route 62 of the National Cycle Network. Incidentally, the word Longdendale means "long wooded valley", just in case you were curious.

The trail comprises traffic-free sand and compacted earth paths along the entirety of its very shallow gradient, which is mostly unnoticeable. There are some coarser gravel sections, particularly along side the Woodhead Reservoir, however, the path is generally smooth and level making it a relatively easy route for the less agile and wheelchair users. In wetter conditions the trails gets boggy in places and during the winter months, snow and ice can be particularly dangerous.

The trail crosses the B6105 once near the dam separating Rhodeswood and Torside Reservoirs. Please take caution crossing here as there is a slight bend in the road. This is the only instance where you will come into contact with road traffic. You can join the trail at the following locations:

There are various routes you can incorporate into the trail. You can walk or cycle the trail in its entirety from Hadfield to the Woodhead Tunnel or you can use the dams and walk on the opposite side of Bottoms, Valehouse and Rhodeswood Reservoirs in several different combinations. It's entirely up to you.

Please wear suitable walking shoes/boots. Due to the nature of the weather in the Peak District, it is advisable you take extra layers and a waterproof coat. On hot days ensure you take plenty of water to quench that thirst and if the mood takes you, why not take a few photos along the way.

One last thing.....enjoy!​

Images of the Longdendale Valley

Below is a series of images taken by local photographer, David James. Scenes of the Longdendale Valley can differ dramatically throughout the changing seasons and, with unpredictable weather conditions, can change the scenes throughout the course of a single day! In any example, however, whether warm and sunny or fresh and snow-covered, there are many views to be enjoyed along this stunning valley.